The Best Non Touristy Things to Do in Luang Prabang
Experience the Authentic Charm of Luang Prabang Beyond the Crowds
Luang Prabang is known for its golden temples, stunning waterfalls, and UNESCO-listed Old Town. But if you’re looking to experience the city beyond the usual tourist attractions, you’re in for a treat.
During our last visit, we made it our mission to seek out off-the-beaten-path things to do in Luang Prabang. While these aren’t necessarily the places where locals go, the experiences remain untouched by mass tourism – and we’ll take that over the crowds at Kuang Si Waterfall any day.
In this guide, I’ll share some of the best non touristy things to do in Luang Prabang. From hopping on a local ferry to chatting with Laotian students eager to practice English, these activities will offer you a deeper, more authentic glimpse into the culture and daily life of this charming city.
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Quick List: The Best Non Touristy Things to Do in Luang Prabang
- Take the public ferry to the other side of the Mekong
- Visit Big Brother Mouse and talk to Lao children in English
- Witness a real Baci ceremony
- Take the cheapest boat tour
- Catch the Luang Prabang morning market
- Shop the boutiques instead of the night market
- Visit a rice Field farm operation
The Essentials for Planning Your Visit to Luang Prabang
🏧 You’ll need cash on hand for most activities in Luang Prabang, whether they’re popular or off the beaten path. Travel with a money card like Wise that has zero ATM withdrawal fees.
🛺 Don’t stress about transportation. Tuk-tuks and trucks are available on almost every corner, ready to take you anywhere. There’s no need to plan in advance.
🚐 Want to explore quieter areas? Hire a van for the day and visit places not found in tourist guides. Better yet, ask the driver to take you to his favorite lunch spot for a truly local experience.
🤕 We saw many tourists with bandages, likely from scooter accidents. While we considered ourselves skilled riders, it can be a wild experience, especially for beginners. Protect your trip to Laos with travel insurance (we use SafetyWing).
🦟 Make sure to wear bug spray at all times, whether you’re indoors or outdoors.
⭐️ Best Off-the-Beaten-Path Hotel in Luang Prabang: Chateau Orientale Resort
· 9.3 Superb Rating
· Outdoor swimming pool
· River and mountain views surrounded by wild nature
· Access to an elephant sanctuary
➡ CHECK PRICES
8 Non Touristy Things to Do in Luang Prabang
1. Take the Public Ferry to the Other Side of the Mekong
Most visitors to Luang Prabang stick to the Old Town and rarely venture beyond. However, crossing the Mekong River on the local ferry is an easy and incredibly rewarding way to experience a different side of the city.
For just 10,000 kip (about 50 cents), you can hop on a wooden boat with locals commuting to and from the other side.
Once you cross, you’ll discover quiet villages, ancient temples, and rural landscapes untouched by tourism. It’s a fantastic way to see everyday life beyond the UNESCO zone. If you’re up for an adventure, rent a bicycle and explore the dirt roads leading to lesser-known temples and traditional stilt houses.
During our visit, we rented a scooter and spent nearly an entire day exploring what felt like an entirely different world on the other side of the river. It was a refreshing change of pace. We had no set plan, just following the roads wherever they led us.
We joined construction workers for midday ice cream from a scooter vendor, and stopped at a small, half-home, half-restaurant shop, where our daughter played with a local boy while we relaxed with a beer, watching the world go by.
It was 1000% the kind of experience you can only get when you wander off the beaten path.
2. Visit Big Brother Mouse and Talk to Lao Children in English
If you’re looking for a meaningful experience in Luang Prabang, Big Brother Mouse is a must-visit. This non-profit organization helps Lao children and young adults improve their English by providing free conversation practice sessions with visitors.
We spent an afternoon here chatting with students, answering their questions about our home country, and helping them practice pronunciation. It was heartwarming to see their eagerness to learn.
This is one of the most rewarding non-touristy activities in Luang Prabang, as it allows you to give back while engaging in genuine cultural exchange. The children attend these sessions completely voluntarily, often putting in extra study hours after their regular school day.
If you don’t have time to participate, you can still contribute by purchasing one of their in-house published books, with the proceeds going directly to support the cause.
3. Witness a Real Baci Ceremony
Many tourists attend staged Baci ceremonies, but experiencing an authentic one is a completely different experience. The Baci ceremony is a traditional Lao ritual that calls back a person’s wandering spirits, performed during special occasions like weddings, homecomings, and New Year celebrations.
If you’re fortunate enough to be invited to a real Baci ceremony, don’t miss the opportunity! You’ll sit with locals in a circle, participate in the chanting, and receive blessings in the form of white cotton strings tied around your wrists. It’s a deeply spiritual and intimate experience, one that few tourists have the privilege to witness.
For those who aren’t so lucky to receive an invitation, you can often catch a glimpse of a Baci ceremony taking place in the open. These ceremonies typically spill out onto the street, where locals gather and participate. We watched from a respectful distance, marveling at the beauty of the ritual. It was a humbling and unforgettable sight.
4. Take the Cheapest Boat Tour
Instead of booking expensive Mekong River cruises, consider asking local boatmen for a simple, no-frills boat ride. Many boat operators along the riverfront offer private trips at a fraction of the price of organized tours.
We opted for a budget-friendly ride at sunset, and it was just as breathtaking as the pricier alternatives. The golden light reflecting off the river, the silhouettes of fishermen casting their nets, and the occasional sighting of water buffalo along the banks created a magical experience.
We paid just a couple of dollars per person to sit on a rickety wooden longtail boat with old bus seats. To top it off, it was BYOB – an experience made even more unforgettable by the relaxed, down-to-earth atmosphere. It was a simple, yet priceless memory.
5. Catch the Luang Prabang Morning Market
Most visitors flock to the famous Night Market, but for a truly local experience, wake up early and head to the Morning Market instead. Starting at sunrise, this market is where locals shop for fresh produce, herbs, meats, and even exotic ingredients like bamboo worms and river moss.
Strolling through the narrow alleys, I saw elderly women selecting fragrant lemongrass and vendors already preparing steaming bowls of noodle soup.
Unlike the night market, which mainly caters to tourists, this market is purely for locals, making it one of the most authentic experiences in Luang Prabang.
6. Shop the Boutiques Instead of the Night Market
If you love shopping, skip the mass-produced souvenirs at the Night Market and explore Luang Prabang’s independent boutiques instead. The city has a thriving artisan scene, with many shops selling high-quality, locally made goods.
Some of my favorite spots include:
- Ock Pop Tok – A fair-trade textile shop where you can watch artisans weave intricate silk patterns.
- Nam Handicrafts – Beautifully handmade crocheted clothing items.
- Ma Te Sai – A boutique supporting rural artisans from across Laos.
By shopping at these places, you’re not only getting unique souvenirs, but also directly supporting local craftspeople and ethical businesses.
7. Visit a Rice Field Farm Operation and See How the Process Works
For a unique, hands-on experience, head out to a local rice farm where you can witness the traditional process of rice cultivation.
Many rural farms around Luang Prabang offer guided tours, where you’ll learn about the different stages of rice production, from planting and harvesting to threshing and milling.
Walking through the lush green fields, you’ll have the chance to meet local farmers, try your hand at planting rice, and see how this vital staple of Lao life is grown. This experience gives you an authentic look at the rural way of life and is a fascinating way to understand the importance of rice in the Laotian culture.
FAQs: Non Touristy Things to Do in Luang Prabang
Q: What are the best non touristy things to do in Luang Prabang for nature lovers?
A: Hiking to hidden temples, taking a local boat ride on the Mekong, and exploring the villages on the other side of the river are all fantastic options.
Q: Is Luang Prabang safe for solo travelers looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences?
A: Yes! Luang Prabang is one of the safest cities in Southeast Asia. Just use common sense. Stick to well-traveled paths and be respectful of local customs.
Q: How can I experience local culture without feeling like a tourist?
A: Engage with locals! Visit Big Brother Mouse, explore the morning market, and ask around about real Baci ceremonies instead of attending staged ones.
Q: Where can I find good food away from touristy restaurants?
A: Try small, family-run eateries (with no English menus) near the morning market or across the Mekong. Look for places where locals are eating for the most authentic dishes.
Final Thoughts on Luang Prabang’s Lesser Known Activities
Exploring the lesser-known side of Luang Prabang helps preserve its authenticity in a world where tourism often turns destinations into staged attractions.
Activities like crossing the Mekong, hiking to hidden temples, or engaging with local students at Big Brother Mouse offer a deeper connection to the city’s culture and traditions.
By seeking out these genuine experiences, you help keep Luang Prabang from becoming just another tourist spectacle, allowing you to experience the city as it truly is.
Related Travel Posts:
- Top Non-Touristy Things to Do in Chiang Mai
- Visiting Luang Prabang With Kids
- Where to Stay in Luang Prabang
- Riding the Laos Speed Train to Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang Travel Resources
☔️ TRAVEL INSURANCE: SafetyWing
✈️ FLIGHTS: Trip.com
🚙 CAR RENTALS: Discover Cars
🚊 TRAINS: Bookaway
🛌 ACCOMMODATION: Booking.com or Agoda
📞 ESIM / CELL PHONE DATA: Airalo
